Laparoscopic sterilization with spring-loaded clips: double-puncture technique

The application of a spring-loaded clip to each fallopian tube using a second-incision clip applicator is a safe and effective method of laparoscopic sterilization. The operation is quick and easy to perform and is suitable for use with local anesthesia. The method avoids the dangers of hemorrhage, for the clip only alters 3 mm of the fallopian tube and does not transect the tube or mesosalpinx. No pregnancies have followed the sterilization procedure. An intrauterine pregnancy has occurred after a reversal procedure in one patient.

Factors associated with spontaneous pre-term birth

Factors associated with spontaneous pre-term birth in 283 singleton pregnancies were compared with those present in a total population of 16 994 women at risk studied in the First British Perinatal Mortality Survey. It was shown that the risk of spontaneous pre-term birth was related to low maternal age, low maternal weight, maternal smoking, low social class, illegitimacy, threatened abortion, and a previous history of antepartum haemorrhage, perinatal loss, or low birth weight livebirths.

Mothers' attitudes in infant feeding at Newcastle General Hospital in summer 1975

Two-hundred successively delivered mothers were asked about their attitudes towards feeding their babies, the influences on them, and their personal and social backgrounds. Initially 39% intended to breast-feed, though in the first few weeks many gave up. Choosing to breast-feed, and success in doing so, were strongly associated with higher social class. The commonest reason given by those who chose the bottle was the embarrassment of breast-feeding. Efforts to increase the numbers of mothers choosing to breast-feed should concentrate on those mothers who remain undecided on their method of feeding. If they are to breast-feed their babies successfully they will need careful advice and support both before and after delivery.

Family limitation and the English demographic revolution: a simulation approach

This seeks to examine the thesis of family limitation in pre-industrial England proposed by E. A. Wrigley on the basis of birth intervals evidence in his famous 1966 paper, “Family Limitation in Pre-industrial England.” A simulation model of a stochastic reproductive system is used to investigate the possible effects of a variety offerees acting on birth intervals. It is argued that although the Wrigley hypothesis remains plausible it is likely that he has exaggerated the role of birth control.